Decoding Your Water Bill: Common Chicago Plumbing Leaks That Cost You Money

High water bill in Chicago? Hidden plumbing leaks might be the cause. Find out about common issues like pipe corrosion and slab leaks.

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A plumber from Chicago & Cook County, IL, wearing glasses and a blue shirt, is fixing plumbing pipes under a sink in a well-lit room.

Summary:

Investigate why your Chicago water bill is high. This guide discusses frequent plumbing leaks, such as pipe corrosion and slab leaks, and how professional water leak detection from Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers can help you save money.
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Receiving a water bill that’s significantly higher than usual can be quite unsettling for any homeowner. Often, the reason behind this unexpected increase isn’t obvious water waste but rather hidden plumbing leaks Chicago residents frequently encounter. These unseen issues can range from slow drips inside walls to problems beneath your foundation. Understanding the common sources of these leaks is the first step toward addressing them. Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers is here to help you navigate these potential plumbing problems and find solutions to bring your water usage, and your bill, back under control. Continue reading to learn about typical leaks impacting Chicago homes.

Identifying Common Plumbing Leaks in Chicago

The plumbing systems in many Chicago homes, particularly older ones, face unique stresses due to aging infrastructure and fluctuating temperatures. Consequently, leaks can develop in various places, often out of sight. Obvious signs like a dripping faucet are easy to spot, but hidden leaks require more attention. You might notice damp spots appearing on walls or ceilings, hear the sound of running water when no taps are open, or see mold and mildew growth in unusual places. Furthermore, an unexplained rise in your water meter reading when usage patterns haven’t changed strongly suggests a hidden leak. Addressing these plumbing leaks Chicago properties experience, whether small drips or more significant pipe failures, requires prompt attention. Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers utilizes specialized methods for water leak detection Cook County, IL homeowners can rely on to find the source quickly.

The Impact of Pipe Corrosion on Leaks

Firstly, pipe corrosion is a prevalent issue contributing to plumbing leaks Chicago homes face, especially those with older galvanized steel or copper pipes. Over time, the chemical reactions between the water and the pipe material can cause the pipes to degrade from the inside out. This process weakens the pipe walls, eventually leading to pinhole leaks or even complete pipe bursts. Factors like water chemistry, pipe age, and material type influence the rate of corrosion. Catching corrosion early through regular plumbing inspections can prevent slow leaks that waste water and cause gradual property damage. Repairing or replacing corroded sections is often necessary to stop persistent leaks.

Understanding Troublesome Slab Leaks

Secondly, another serious, yet often concealed, problem is a slab leak. These occur in the water pipes located beneath the concrete foundation of your home. Because they are hidden under flooring and concrete, slab leaks can persist for a long time before being detected, leading to substantial water waste and potentially costly structural damage to your foundation. Causes include pipe corrosion, shifting foundations putting pressure on pipes, or abrasion. Signs might include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water, or unexplained dampness in carpets. Locating and repairing slab leaks requires professional water leak detection in Cook County, IL, via our experience and specialized equipment.

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How Professional Leak Detection Works

Finding the exact location of hidden plumbing leaks Chicago properties might have requires more than just a visual check. Professional plumbers, like the team at Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers, use advanced techniques and tools. For example, acoustic listening devices amplify the sound of water escaping from pipes, even underground or behind walls. Thermal imaging cameras can detect temperature variations caused by water pooling or dampness within structures, pinpointing leaks without invasive methods. In some cases, a pressure test might be performed on sections of the plumbing system to see if pressure drops, indicating a leak. These methods allow for accurate identification of the leak’s source, minimizing disruption and enabling targeted repairs, ultimately saving water and preventing further damage.

A plumber in Chicago & Cook County uses an orange pipe wrench to tighten or loosen a metal pipe under a sink against a white tiled wall.

Techniques and Materials Used in Leak Repair

Once a leak is located, the repair approach depends on the type and location of the damaged pipe. For small pinhole leaks in accessible copper pipes, a plumber might use a clamp or apply an epoxy patch as a temporary fix, followed by replacing the damaged section. Corroded galvanized pipes often require replacement with more durable materials like copper or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing, which resists corrosion. Slab leak repairs might involve rerouting the pipe overhead or making a direct access repair through the slab, carefully sealing the area afterward. Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers uses appropriate materials and methods for lasting repairs.

Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Strategies

While some plumbing leaks Chicago homeowners experience are unavoidable due to age or unforeseen damage, preventative maintenance can reduce the risk. Regular plumbing inspections allow professionals to spot early signs of trouble, like corrosion, worn fittings, or high water pressure, before they lead to leaks. Checking appliance hoses (washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker) for bulges or cracks and replacing them periodically is also advisable. Insulating pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces can prevent freezing and bursting during Chicago’s cold winters. Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers can perform these checks as part of routine maintenance visits.

Taking Control of Your Water Bill and Plumbing Health

Overall, an unexpectedly high water bill is often a sign of underlying plumbing leaks Chicago residents shouldn’t ignore. From pipe corrosion in older systems to hidden slab leaks beneath your foundation, various issues can lead to water waste and potential property damage. Understanding these common problems and the importance of professional water leak detection Cook County, IL services is key. By being proactive with inspections and addressing leaks promptly using the right techniques, you can manage your water consumption effectively. If you suspect a leak or want peace of mind about your plumbing system’s condition, contact Go-Rooter Emergency Plumbers today to schedule an inspection.

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